Question
I have just ordered flask with Phalaenopsis plantlets. I've been growing mature plants for few months so far therefore It's my first experience with growing orchids from flasks on my own. I'm doing a research on how to take care of them and I think I have everything prepared for their arrival (pots, media, Physan, propagator , fertilizer..) However I'm still worry that I may not have sth those little beauties may need and I'd like to ask if there are any tips you could give me before I start with my home "production" (maybe some useful links?). I would also like to know how long (approximately) does it take to get a full grown plant ready to blossom. I'm from London, UK. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Agnieszka,

Although I do not buy flasks of orchid seedlings, I've learned a few of the do's and don'ts from friends who do.  Here is what they have told me along with a link to a website on how to deflask.  

Before starting, it would be best to not rush into deflasking as soon as they arrive.  Wait a few days to a week until they all have time to acclimate to their new home.  If possible, also wait until they become larger or to the point the leaves and roots start to become entangled.  The larger the plantlets are when deflasked, the better their chance for survival.  

The materials you have gathered are a good start.  Soon after deflasking, thoroughly wash them with the Physan (dilute mixture to about 20%), set them aside on a paper towel to dry.  Sort the plantlets by size, what you want to have are plantlets of the same size per pot.  Prepare the pot (10cm size) by filling with media then create a hole in the middle, leaving a thin layer of media along the sides.  Place a plantlet in then add a little media to hold it, place another plantlet and more media, do this until you have from 10 to 15 plantlets in the pot.  If you have more plantlets, place them in another pot.  

Now comes the hard part - keeping them alive!  (grin)  Some persons spray a little dilute physan on the plantlets once or twice a week for the first few months while others do not.  Keep them in a shady place that remains fairly warm all the time, if you have a warming pad you can place them on it and keep it on low.  Keep them evenly moist but not wet.  Go easy on the fertilizer until they become more established with roots.  It is not uncommon to lose a few plantlets to rot in the first few months, just pull them out as you notice them.  

Phalaenopsis grow fairly quickly and can be in bloom within 2 to 3 years out of flask.  

Here is a link on how to deflask:  http://members.iinet.net.au/~barryg/Deflasking_orchids.htm  

Hope this helped.  Good luck and have fun!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.